I've known Rick for years. He started working at The Fan a year or two after I arrived. We are professional friends, although we'd run into each other at social events -- including an annual Christmas party we both attend. He is one of the funniest, most relaxed human beings you could ever meet; your typical Eastern Canadian. I had also met both his ex-wife and his current girlfriend. They were both friendly people.

I haven't spoken to him since he returned to Toronto last night, but I'm happy to report that his co-workers have rallied around him. He -- and others who work there -- are being set up with special counselling sessions, upon request.

I'm not going to post what I've heard about the crime, but I can tell you that there are a lot of people in our industry shaken about what happened. Many lives have been ruined, including two young childrens'. I do know that Rick sent an email earlier today saying that he would recover from this, with time.

I wish him, and the families involved, the best. I know that wish is shared by many in the Toronto media community.

I haven't spoken to him since he returned to Toronto last night, but I'm happy to report that his co-workers have rallied around him. He -- and others who work there -- are being set up with special counselling sessions, upon request.